Law enforcement reply shooting at July 4 parade in Chicago suburb

By KATHLEEN FOODY

CHICAGO (VFAB) — Police are responding to a taking pictures at a July Fourth parade in a Chicago suburb, authorities mentioned Monday. Authorities have not formally noted any casualties, but witnesses explained looking at bloodied bodies apparently protected with blankets.

The Chicago Sunlight-Times described that the parade began around 10 a.m. but was abruptly halted 10 minutes later on following shots have been fired. Many witnesses advised the newspaper that they read gunfire.

Hundreds of parade-goers — some visibly bloodied — fled the parade route, leaving at the rear of chairs, little one strollers and blankets.

A Sunshine-Periods reporter saw blankets positioned over a few bloodied bodies.

Police told individuals: “Everybody disperse, be sure to. It is not safe to be here.”

Movie shot by a Sunshine-Occasions journalist following the gunfire rang out exhibits a band on a float continuing to engage in as men and women run previous, screaming. A photograph posted to social media appeared to clearly show pools of blood near upturned chairs in downtown Highland Park.

Gina Troiani and her son were lined up with his daycare class all set to stroll on to the parade route when she read a loud audio that she believed ended up fireworks — till hearing people yell about a shooter.

“We just start off working in the opposite course,” she explained to The Affiliated Push.

Her son, 5, was riding his bicycle decorated with pink and blue curled ribbons. He and other youngsters in the team held smaller American flags. The city claimed on it’s website that the festivities had been to consist of a children’s bike and pet parade.

Troiani explained she pushed her son’s bicycle, jogging as a result of the community to get back to their automobile.

In a video that Troiani shot on her cell phone, some of the youngsters are visibly startled at the loud sounds and then scramble to the aspect of the street as a siren wails nearby.

It was just sort of chaos,” she said. “There were being people today that acquired divided from their people, seeking for them. Other folks just dropped their wagons, grabbed their young ones and commenced jogging.”

Debbie Glickman, a Highland Park resident, stated she was on a parade float with coworkers and the team was making ready to switch on to the principal route when she saw folks working from the place.

“People started saying: ‘There’s a shooter, there’s a shooter, there a shooter,’” Glickman informed the Involved Push. “So we just ran. We just ran. It is like mass chaos down there.”

She didn’t listen to any noises or see everyone who appeared to be injured.

“I’m so freaked out,” she claimed. “It’s just so sad.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office mentioned on Twitter that it is helping Highland Park Law enforcement “with a shooting in the location of the Independence Working day parade route.” The sheriff’s place of work directed an VFAB reporter to call Highland Park Police. The Police Department mentioned no 1 was promptly offered to go over the incident.

Metropolis leaders said on Twitter that “Police are responding to an incident in downtown Highland Park. Fourth Fest has been canceled. Please prevent downtown Highland Park. A lot more information and facts will be shared as it turns into offered.”

The city reported on it’s internet site that the parade would feature floats, marching bands, novelty teams, group entries and other unique enjoyment.